CHAPTER SEVEN
-ERIS-
I noticed Boris's sly grin from across the table. His eyes twinkled mischievously as they met mine; he knew something, something I didn't understand. The scent of citrus became stronger, clouding my senses, making me feel like I was floating on an orange sea. Where is that smell coming, I thought.
Looking around the table, I met Prince Kinnison's gaze. His icy eyes were no longer filled with unyielding coldness but softened, like the first light of dawn breaking across a frost-laden fiel
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-When the dinner was finally over, everyone excused themselves, heading off in different directions. Kinnison and I escaped to the sanctuary of the estate's moonlit garden. The air was thick with the scent of radiant azaleas, blooming roses, and honeysuckles, a perfect backdrop to our quiet conversation.Underneath the glowing moonlight, Kinnison held my hand gently, his touch as soft as the petals of the flowers surrounding us. With each breath, I took in not only the fragrant perfume of the blossoms but also his sweet, familiar scent that was now interw
CHAPTER SEVEN-HIRO-The rough, calloused hand on my shoulder felt like the icy hand of death itself, a chilling reminder of the power my elder brother wielded. Boris's grip was unyielding, his eyes as cold as the winter. My heart thumped wildly in my chest."What were you thinking, Hiro?" he growled, steering me down the corridor with a firm grip. "What did you think you could accomplish, getting in the way of our mother's plans?" His voice echoed ominously off the cold walls.
CHAPTER SEVEN-HIRO-But then, suddenly, amidst the deafening roar of my pain and fear, a new sound punctured through the chaos - a growl. It was primal, animalistic, the sound of a beast cornered and threatened. I thought it was Boris, but then I realized it was someone else. Boris ceased his assault."What do you think you are doing?" It was our father. The voice was like a whip crack in the silence that followed. My father stood at the doorway, a terrifying silhouette against the flickering hallway lamp. His eyes, icy and hard, were locked onto Boris, his tall frame rigid
CHAPTER SEVEN-LEON-Despite being aware that Hiro would be fully healed by tomorrow, I left him in the care of the manor's salutary. His confession had left me reeling, a whirlwind of emotions spinning within me. Betrayal, anger and fear crept into my heart like unwelcome guests. I had always been aware of my wife's deceitful tactics to achieve her desires, but I never could have fathomed the idea of manipulating her own daughter into a relationship.Why would Trisha do something like this, I thought. She had alway
CHAPTER SEVEN-LEON-Her eyes widened ever so slightly, a tiny crack in her otherwise pristine facade. "A divorce," she echoed softly, the gravity of my words sinking in. "Is that what you believe the solution is?""Yes." I said, standing firm in my decision. "I cannot and will not allow you to harm our children with your twisted ideologies. It ends here, Trisha." The words hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension building between us.A sardonic chuckle slipped past her lips as she turned back to the window, he
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-It had been a few days since I had confronted Boris about his decision to take Severa as his second wife. I was tired of his selfish decisions. He could do as he pleased with me, but I didn't want him to put another woman through the same pain and suffering I was about to endure.I was well aware that my threats to him were bold, but they were also completely genuine. I was determined to destroy Boris. He would pay for all the pain and suffering he inflicted on me, Severa, and our families.Bei
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-The morning was delightful, with no clouds in the sky and the sun shining brightly. It was a beautiful day. To add the final touch to the fantastic day, everyone was eagerly anticipating the Moon Goddess' Ball tonight. I couldn't contain my excitement.Not only was this my debut as the Gravemaw Hounds' future Luna, it was also a chance to solidify my alliances. Trisha had extended invitations to all the neighboring packs, and even some nobles from the Lycan Empire were expected to attend.A sof
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-Kinnison and Alina had departed for the Gravemaw Hounds territory yesterday afternoon. I hadn't received any updates from them yet, but I assumed they were preoccupied with formalities or other matters.My father informed me that I would depart for the Gravemaw Hounds' territory the next morning, accompanied by Lady Basia, Count Gaius, and Countess Gaius. Since I was courting Lady Basia, it made sense for me to travel with them instead of Kinnison and Alina. I was opposed to the notion, but t
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The Gravemaw Hounds' territory was basked in warm, golden sunlight under a cloudless spring sky. Giggles echoed through the air as three young girls, 4-year-old Estrada Evercrown and her best friends Bellatrix and Rae Greymane, sat in the woods behind the Greymane family's home.With a firm grip, Estrada held Rae's chestnut locks in her small palms. She skillfully weaved dainty primrose petals from the nearby fields into the cascading brown strands. Her attentive gaze was fixed on creating a stunning floral creation.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-As we moved further away from the council room, I finally broke the silence and elaborated on the situation. "Thorin, keep your distance from Boris. I don't want him discovering that Severa has left her mark on you."Thorin, normally stoic and composed, swallowed at my words. There was conflict in his eyes, a stormy sea of fear and longing. "If you didn't want him to know it was me, why did you tell him?"I paused, feeling my gaze linger on Thorin's visibly anxious expression. "It will make him para
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-Weldon and Thorin exited the room first. I trailed behind them, but paused at the doorway and looked back at Luna Mother and Boris."Also, just so you're aware," I added, drawing their focus. "Due to the ongoing investigation, all ceremonies will be suspended until further notice."Boris leaped up from his chair, his anger evident on his face. "How dare you?" he roared. "I am to be married tonight! Do you expect me to cancel the wedding?!"
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I raised a skeptical eyebrow and asked, my gaze turning icy. "And who do you think is the mastermind behind your beloved cub's strings?"The Luna Mother let out a deep sigh, her frustration evident in her rising voice. "How am I supposed to know?" she asked, shaking her head. "I'm just making assumptions here."Before I could ask any more questions, she fixed her cold stare back on Weldon. "You mentioned Wolf's Bane, did you not? Are you talking about the unfortunate incident where the Luna
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-We walked into the manor. The servants were bustling around us in a chaotic yet coordinated manner. However, I couldn't ignore the palpable tension that hung in the air, likely due to the commotion outside which they had undoubtedly heard and seen."I shall tell my mother and father of what has happened," Lady Basia announced. "Good luck with confronting Boris.""Thank you, Lady Basia," I replied, dipping my head in acknowledgment. Her gaze was steady but I could see the concern in her eyes
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-It wasn't long before we arrived at the Alpha's Estate. As we approached the estate, I could see that there was a disturbance unfolding near the grand entrance of the manor. Outside, the Alpha Father and a group of servants were gathered around a young man who appeared to be enraged. They were trying to calm him down."Sh*t," Weldon mumbled, his brows furrowed."It's that your brother?" Thorin asked, his voice full of concern.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I gazed out the car window, replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. The spot where Wilhelmina had bitten me was concealed beneath the fabric of my shirt, but the fierce heat of it seemed to radiate outwards like a beacon.I didn't sleep a wink last night. My mind was full of thoughts about Wilhelmina, replaying her touch, her seductive whispers in my ear and the sensation of her teeth and lips on my neck.Every time I closed my eyes, I found myself subjected to vivid images o
CHAPTER TEN-WILHELMINA-I woke up in the early hours of the morning, greeted by sunlight. As I slowly opened my eyes, I shielded them from the bright rays. I looked around the room. This wasn't any bedroom I recognized. Where am I, I thought confused. I felt the mattress beneath me move slightly, and I turned my head to look at the other side. Severa was fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. I'm not alone. If Severa is here, we must be-, I thought.
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-Unexpectedly, the car came to a sharp halt. The abruptness of the stop forced us apart. We panted heavily, flushed and disoriented from the sudden interruption. My shirt was half unbuttoned.I shifted my gaze out the window and was greeted by the sight of a dense grove of towering pines. In front of our car stood a charming two-story farmhouse, crafted from a beautiful mix of timber and stone. Next, I focused on Thorin and Severa. Just like me, Thorin had his shirt unbuttoned and there were smudges of lipstick all over his neck. Severa was leaning against him,